Either Roseau Valley or Vieux Fort South will face another season in the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League Tier 2, following their October 20th eliminator fixture at the Dennery Playing Field.
Scheduled as the first match of a doubleheader, the winner will live to fight another day, taking on the loser of Qualifier 1 between South Castries and Anse La Raye for a chance at the final and promotion. Meanwhile, the loser will be eliminated from promotion contention for the current season.
Roseau Valley enters Sunday evening’s fixture battle-tested. The team boasts the best goal differential in the entire league and features the league’s top two scorers—Stephan Valty and Hemaiael Charlery—who have netted seven and six goals, respectively.
Benedict Hippolyte, technical director for Roseau, highlighted his team’s current status leading into this crucial playoff fixture.
“Preparation for the upcoming playoff has been progressing smoothly,” he stated. “This is our first time participating in a playoff system, and we are eager to make our community proud by delivering exciting and entertaining football.”
He continued, “The Roseau Valley is one of the few districts without a playing field with lights, so training at 4:00 pm has been quite challenging for us. With players and coaches working, some have had to miss several sessions. For the playoff, we’ve been utilising the Anse La Raye field under lights, which has allowed most of our key players to be present.”
“We are looking forward to having a strong performance and achieving a favorable result. If not, we’ll go back to the drawing board and prepare for the next season.”
Despite Roseau’s strength, Vieux Fort South remains confident in their ability to defeat the men from the east. In the league phase, Vieux Fort South emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller, winning 3-2 against Roseau. Additionally, Obafemi Poyotte is among the league’s top 10 goal scorers, with five goals to his credit.
Alvin Poyotte, assistant coach for Vieux Fort South, indicated that his team is focused on finalising preparations for the playoffs.
“We have been putting in the hours and effort,” Poyotte stated. “Every player knows the importance of what lies ahead. We just need consistency in attendance at the training sessions. It has been a team effort from day one.”
Both teams will be hoping for a successful season to truly develop their organisations, as they strive for promotion to the Premier League.
